Broadway Sips: Cocktails to Pair with Your Favorite Shows
Winter in New York City is magical, and nowhere does that magic shine brighter than on Broadway. As the streets sparkle with holiday lights and the chill in the air calls for warm, cozy escapes, theaters along the Great White Way offer world-class performances that transport audiences to other worlds. Pairing a Broadway show with a themed cocktail is the perfect way to elevate your theater experience this season.
Here’s why winter is the best time to enjoy Broadway, plus a selection of cocktail pairings inspired by some of the most iconic musicals and plays currently on stage.
Why Winter is Broadway’s Season to Shine
Cozy Escapes: When temperatures drop, nothing feels better than stepping into a warm, grand theater to be whisked away by captivating performances.
Holiday Energy: Broadway shines during the holiday season, with festive crowds and special programming adding extra magic to the experience.
Diverse Offerings: From family-friendly hits to thought-provoking dramas, Broadway’s winter lineup offers something for everyone.
Perfect Pairings: Winter cocktails are rich, warm, and comforting—just like your favorite shows.
Broadway-Inspired Cocktail Pairings
1. Phantom Sour (Inspired by The Phantom of the Opera)
Mysterious and dramatic, this cocktail mirrors the elegance and intrigue of this beloved classic.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz bourbon
0.75 oz lemon juice
0.5 oz red wine (to float)
0.5 oz simple syrup
Instructions:
Shake bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice. Strain into a glass over fresh ice, then float red wine on top for a hauntingly beautiful layer.
2. Wicked Green Margarita (Inspired by Wicked)
This bright and bold drink celebrates Elphaba’s iconic green hue and defiant spirit.
Ingredients:
2 oz tequila
1 oz lime juice
0.5 oz Midori (melon liqueur)
0.5 oz agave syrup
Instructions:
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a glass with a salted rim. Garnish with a lime wheel for a magical finish.
3. Hamilton's Revolution Rye Old Fashioned (Inspired by Hamilton)
This sophisticated cocktail nods to the Founding Fathers’ era and Hamilton’s bold, revolutionary spirit.
Ingredients:
2 oz rye whiskey
1 sugar cube
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange peel
Instructions:
Muddle the sugar cube with bitters in a glass. Add rye whiskey and ice, then stir until chilled. Garnish with an orange peel twist.
4. Moulin Rouge Rouge Spritz (Inspired by Moulin Rouge! The Musical)
Dazzling and decadent, this cocktail is as vibrant and theatrical as the show itself.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Aperol
2 oz sparkling wine
1 oz soda water
Instructions:
Pour Aperol over ice in a wine glass, add sparkling wine and soda water, and garnish with a blood orange slice.
5. Frozen Winter Cosmo (Inspired by Frozen)
This icy blue cocktail is perfect for fans of Elsa and Anna, capturing the chill of winter with a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz vodka
0.5 oz blue curaçao
0.75 oz white cranberry juice
0.25 oz lime juice
Instructions:
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a sugared cranberry or a sprig of mint.
How to Pair Cocktails with Your Broadway Experience
Pre-Show: Enjoy a themed cocktail at a nearby bar before heading to the theater to set the mood for the performance.
Post-Show: Reflect on the show with friends over a drink that mirrors its themes or characters.
At-Home Viewing Parties: If you’re streaming Broadway content or rewatching your favorite cast albums, whip up one of these cocktails for the perfect accompaniment.
Raise a Glass to Broadway This Winter
Broadway’s winter season offers an escape from the cold and a chance to experience the magic of live theater. Pair your night out with a themed cocktail to create an unforgettable experience that combines the best of NYC’s cultural and culinary delights.
Cheers to the season, the stage, and the art of the cocktail!
